Casey Abrams and Cyndi Lauper team up to bring back this iconic anti-war folk song from way back in the 60’s. With a simple arrangement, Casey’s smoky lyrics are perfect for the song and Cyndi sings a soft and harmonizing background vocal. Both of them used the lyrics of the song to to encourage people to vote en masse in the upcoming elections. In addition, the lyrics are a call for people to stay actively involved and engaged. They have also added additional verses to update the song and bring it into the present-day generation.
While this writer perused over the old lyrics, I realized that not much has changed over the years–not really. This song was banned at many radio stations because of the controversial lyrics, but I remember my father playing it at his rock and roll/Top 40 station (WQTW-AM in Latrobe, Pennsylvania).
One of the added verses:
“The virus hit, many isolated and ill,
Jobs disappearing, tryin’ to pay the bills
Hurricanes, Floods, Tornadoes, Stormin’
Politicians claim there ain’t no Global Warmin’
Winds are blowin’, Fires Blazin’
Hills are scorched no horses are grazin’
If you cross the man his words are scathin’
And you tell me
Over and over and over and over again my friend
You don’t believe
We’re on the eve of destruction”
This song has quite a history! With the topics of peace, no war (Vietnam was happening back then), the military draft, nuclear destruction, the environment, the song was written in 1964 by a 19 year old, P. F. Sloan who later formed the popular band, the Grass Roots. Many artists such as the Turtles for example, went on add the song to their repertoire, but Barry McQuire (formerly with the New Christy Minstrels) made it into a huge hit for Top 40 radio in 1965.
Cyndi Lauper
In the latter part of the 60’s, this song became the anthem for the growing anti-war movement as protests swelled towards the last years of the Vietnam War it finally ended when the Congress voted to not fund war anymore. There is always a political song that changes people’s opinions! That is what makes this song iconic and part of US History.
Casey Abrams, is a brilliant artist who gained fame through the TV program, American Idol, teams up with another of the TV show’s alumni, Haley Reinhart and regularly contributes to Postmodern Jukebox. Cyndi Lauper is well known by her 80’s and 90’s hits (“Girls Just Want to Have Fun” and “Colors”), her collaborations with many artists and her continuing exploration of all kinds of music genres. Both are a perfect match on this recording.
Listen to the song or better yet, buy it! (CLICK HERE)
Anita grew up in a rock and roll radio station that her father owned and has a musical family. Spent a few years singing back up. Now sings in the shower! She is a USAF veteran and was elected to local office and worked as staff on three presidential campaigns as a Social Media and Virtual Outreach expert. Plays a variety of musical instruments including ukulele and she loves drum circles. Her favorite music genres are all of them--Alternative to Zydeco. Promotes bands and independent artists through ANITA STEWART PROMOTIONS. She also brought SOFAR SOUNDS to Tampa. When she is not writing, she is knitting, painting, attending concerts and live music jams and exploring nature with her camera. She has recently retired but no rocking chair for her! She has been reporting for Rock at Night since 2014.
